The concept of grammatical servitude, defined as the absence of semantic choice in linguistic constructions, minimizes dependence on intuition and subjective judgment in syntactic analysis. It also causes the researcher to neglect important communicative resources of the speaker. To remedy this problem, the use of semantics in syntactic analysis is recommended. The approach is derived from Roman Jakobson's idea that even a syntactic trait considered 100 percent predictable is no longer to be considered constant if it is absent in some instances in which it would be automatic, an approach that is paradigmatic rather than syntagmatic. Formulicity allows for some degree of variation from the usage norm, within prescribed constraints. Language norm is to be distinguished from language system, which consists of the norm, code, and common usage. Examples are provided in French. (MSE)